It is Alarming How Prospective Reform Voters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Loud Extremists

Yusuf, 47, Birmingham

Occupation: Economics Instructor & Content Creator

Political History: Labour Party. Yusuf describes himself as “what would have been traditional centre-left. More left-wing than Starmer – and many feel the same”

Amuse Bouche: During a seminar by life coach Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, Yusuf walked across fiery embers.

Mark, Walsall

Occupation: Ex- Nurse, later Teacher, now Retired

Voting Record: Has voted for different parties – in the last election Conservative Party and in the upcoming election he’ll probably vote Reform

Amuse Bouche: He scored two goals playing for England facing Germany … at the wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (the English team lost).

For Starters

Mark: After my operation for Parkinson’s, I sometimes have trouble finding the words. Yusuf speaks well, and very passionate regarding his views. I do drink though I opted for a blackcurrant with soda. I had a sirloin steak, then a pancake with ice-cream.

Yusuf: People often imagine of what you think a Reform voter looks like – patriotic clothing or a red-faced, portly kind of guy – and that idea was shattered. He was very pleasant. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I drank Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was delicious.

The Big Beef

Mark: Current levels of immigration are not viable. A lot of the people crossing in small boats are hardworking and honest, though some are not. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Consider their situation. People don't leave willingly their homeland and a secure existence. They are people who’ve got nothing or who have been stripped of everything. Small boat arrivals are only a fraction; most of the immigration to Britain is through legal means.

Mark: There is a moral issue to tempting skilled people to a rich country, since we contribute to other countries to have shortages. A long-standing worry of mine is UK overpopulation, because of energy security, water supply, NHS, schools, housing, and so on. Moreover, certain communities that live completely parallel lives and avoid integrating with the wider society. I believe this is a problem – particularly when migrants are coming from countries where freedoms or women's rights are poor.

Yusuf: I shared my dad's story Integrating takes time; they continue their traditions in their home country. Many nations under British rule, like India, were well developed economically, but Britain went in and took stuff and set them back. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we came to where stuff is.

Shared Views

Mark: We concurred with extreme wealth, they always want more. I would want a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark noted that inequality stems from Thatcher and discussed her legacy. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!

For Afters

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, isn't he? I would trust him with the economy, although austerity measures will anger many so he may need to moderate his approach. I'll vote reluctantly because he’s given the impression he’s not interested in the NHS; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. I worked in the NHS for 26 years. However, I won't support Conservatives or Labour; they've failed before.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are unpleasant individuals, you’re not one of them, your opinions differ. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who are not truly concerned about Britain, but seek to exploit popular fears and emotions to win power.

Takeaway

Mark: Now I’m retired, I don’t get the young person’s perspective unlike when I taught. The dinner was enjoyable.

Yusuf: I find it alarming that potential Reform voters are not all tub-thumping aggressive nationalists. However, I felt encouraged that through calm discussion divisive issues, it's possible to shift attitudes and opinions.